ExxonMobil Chemical and its Japanese affiliate, Tonen Chemical, have developed two new separator grades with co-extrusion technology to meet more demanding battery requirements. The new co-extruded grades offer enhanced permeability, improved strength, reduced heat shrinkage, and higher rupture temperature to improve battery safety and performance.

"The two new co-extrusion grades have been developed to meet the different system needs for lithium-ion batteries in hybrid and electric vehicle applications," said Jim Harris, senior vice president, ExxonMobil Chemical Company. "We have introduced four tailored battery separator films and are committed to extending our product portfolio to provide customers with the flexibility and versatility to make the next generation of lower emission vehicles possible."

This technology platform builds on ExxonMobil Chemical's 20 years of innovation and experience in lithium-ion battery separators. Production from existing commercial lines provides ExxonMobil Chemical with the flexibility to scale-up to meet the anticipated growth in demand for hybrid and electric vehicle batteries.

"ExxonMobil Chemical's new battery separator film grades will help speed the adoption of smaller and more powerful lithium-ion batteries in next generation hybrid and electric vehicles," said Harris.

Electric Vehicles

BYD (Build Your Dreams) has delivered a battery-electric 8TT truck to the Port of Oakland. The Class 8 truck was grant-funded by CARB and will be part of a three-year feasibility study to determine whether zero-emission trucks could replace diesel trucks in port operations.

U.S. safety regulators from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are evaluating the circumstances connected to a Tesla Model S that slammed into a fire department vehicle in Jordan, Utah on May 13.

Workhorse Group is conducting autonomous drone package deliveries in real-world scenarios for homes in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area, using a system that is integrated with its line of electric delivery trucks.